The Journeyman: The Curious Case of Jesse Chavez

One Man’s Trash is Another’s Treasure

Jesse Chavez announced his retirement this week. Unless you're a big baseball fan, you've likely never heard his name; but he actually holds a place in the record book: most traded player in MLB history. That's not a distinction any player wants: the moving trucks, family left behind, sub-leases...that kind of instability is a real grind.

A natural reaction to Chavez's transaction history might be "Jeez, this guy must not be very good. He never stuck around anywhere very long." A lot of players go through a similar emotion the first time they are traded. The organization that originally signed them, that helped them develop, that they built relationships with--they no longer want them. That can be a hard pill to swallow. But there's a flip side to that trade, and all it takes is a shift in perspective to see it: another team did want them. So much so that they went out of their way to acquire him. For every door that closes...

I've had to tell players that they've been traded. It's hard. These are men with families, pride, and sometimes a deep history with me or the organization. I once had such a conversation in a hotel room and about 20 minutes later, an earthquake hit. Heckuva day for that guy. I've also welcomed newly-acquired players into an organization. Suffice it to say, I prefer the latter. The disappointment and subtle sense of failure that colors the first conversation is contrasted by the excitement and optimism of welcoming the newly-acquired teammate. Goodbyes can be hard. But more often than not, they lead to Hellos.

Jesse Chavez was selected in the 42nd round of the MLB draft (out of 50). Over his career, he was traded 9 times, claimed on waivers twice, and was outright released 3 different times. It's easy to look at that bio and be underwhelmed. But you know what else Jesse Chavez did? He pitched 18 seasons in the Major Leagues, played in the post-season 4 times, struck out over 1,000 batters, made $25M+, won a World Series, and ranks among the top 170 players all-time in career appearances.

The circuitous career path belied Chavez's talent. He simply fit better elsewhere (often). His services were more valuable in one place than another, so he provided those services where they were needed. There are parallels in his journey to today's work climate. The days of getting the gold watch after an entire career spent at one company are, largely, over. "Loyalty" has been redefined. Both employers and employees are more transactional and transient. That movement doesn't necessarily signal value, talent, or performance, though. It signals fit. Great organizations, by definition, aren't a fit for everyone; and great people similarly don't fit every organization.

So when you get fired, your startup goes bust, you get passed over for that promotion, or you don't land that big client, you can be disappointed. You can even allow yourself to take it personal. For about five minutes. Then channel your inner Jesse Chavez, pack up your equipment bag, and show up the next day ready to work. Somebody's going to welcome you into a new clubhouse full of possibility. Who knows, you might wind up in the record books.